Jeannette Garcia
Jeannette Garcia | |
|---|---|
| Born | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Occupation | Chemist |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Known for | Identification of a novel category of polymers |
Jeannette Garcia is a chemist affiliated with IBM, acclaimed for her identification of a novel category of polymers.
Early life and education
A native of Seattle, Washington, Garcia obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Seattle University in 2006. She later achieved her doctorate in chemistry from Boston College in 2012.
Career
Starting her professional journey in 2012 as a postdoctoral fellow at IBM Research, Garcia concentrated on developing recyclable and high-performance materials. The following year, she advanced to the position of Research Staff Member at IBM Research Almaden. By 2018, she was elevated to manager and appointed as the Global Lead for Quantum Applications in Quantum Chemistry and Science. In the course of her investigations, Garcia serendipitously uncovered a new polymer characterized by its durability, light weight, and recyclability—offering a solution to the longstanding issue of thermoset plastic recycling. This breakthrough led to her inclusion on the MIT Technology Review’s list of 35 Innovators under 35. The polymer she developed holds promise for diverse sectors such as electronics, aerospace, and construction. Additionally, in 2016, Garcia collaborated with IBM colleague Gavin Jones to devise a chemical recycling method for plastics that eliminates BPA leaching, an achievement that garnered them recognition as Leading Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine.